Former Cookstown man accused of trying to stab two cousins

A former Cookstown man accused of trying to stab two cousins to death at a north Belfast apartment block claims he acted in self-defence, the High Court heard today.

Edward and Michael Rosbotham both sustained multiple knife wounds in an alleged attack after a drink and drugs-fuelled party last month, a judge was told.

James Bell faces charges of attempting to murder the pair at the Delaware Building on the Limestone Road.

The 38-year-old, of Parkend Street in Belfast, was granted bail but banned from entering the city.

Prosecution lawyer Conor Gillespie said police were called to the scene at around 6.30am on October 19.

Bell was challenged and brought to the ground after emerging from the building carrying two knives.

Edward Rosbotham had earlier run out of the complex before collapsing 150 yards away, according to Mr Gillespie.

He sustained four stab wounds to his back and side, and spent four weeks in intensive care.

The court heard that he suffered a punctured lung and had to have his spleen removed.

His cousin, Michael Rosbotham, was discovered in a hallway inside the building.

He had also been stabbed four times in the chest and back, and had to undergo hospital treatment.

Bell, originally from Cookstown but with an apartment in the same block, faces further charges of assaults on a police officer, a designated PSNI representative and threatening to kill them both in connection with the same incident.

He had been drinking and taking cocaine at Michael Rosbotham’s flat before a row led to him being asked to leave, the court heard.